About the Hispanic Heritage Council
Acerca del Concilio de Herencia Hispana del Oeste de Nueva York

Dedicated to preserving the history of Hispanics in Western New York for future generations.Dedicado a preservar la historia de los hispanos en el oeste de Nueva York para las generaciones futuras.

Organizational Overview

The Hispanic Heritage Council of WNY Inc. is a nonprofit organization that exists to foster and inspire awareness, understanding, and appreciation of past, present, and future contributions of the Hispanic Community in Western New York.

History

Hispanic's have been part of the fabric of Western New York Community since the late 1800's and early 1900's. The earliest arrivals were people from all parts of Central & South America, Mexico, Spain and the Caribbean, who came here humbly looking for the American Dream. Some did not have much education, but they had hearts determined to explore a new frontier and to work hard to improve the lives of their families here and the loved ones left back home.

They arrived, like many other immigrants, as non-English speakers with the hope to someday become citizens and contributors to this great area called Western New York. They worked as migrants in fields, in factories, rail yards, steel plants, and many places that would offer meaningful employment and the opportunity for success.

In Today's 21st Century Hispanic’s in WNY contribute professionally in the private and public sector continuing the tradition of their ancestors in the fields of military, education, medicine, law, government, communications, business, finance, sports, art and music.

Hispanic Heritage Month

Hispanic Heritage Month recognizes the contributions of Hispanic Americans to the United States and to celebrate Hispanic heritage and culture. The observation started in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson and was expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 to cover a 30-day period starting on September 15 and ending on October 15. It was enacted into law on August 17, 1988.

September 15 was chosen as the starting point for the celebration because it is the anniversary of independence of five Latin American countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. They all declared independence in 1821. In addition, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on September 16 and September 18, respectively.